2026: Advisory Council, Parties Set Agenda For Govt, Urge Issue-based Politics

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and some political parties have charged government at all levels in Nigeria to improve the quality of governance, especially with regards to security, in 2026.

They stated this in their New Year messages.

The national chairman of IPAC, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism, national unity and optimism in 2026.

he described the New Year as a fresh opportunity to build a strong, inclusive and prosperous nation.

Dantalle urged citizens to replace pessimism with hope and face the future with renewed confidence and faith, despite the nation’s political and socio-economic challenges.

He noted that freedom, good governance and prosperity demand constant civic vigilance and engagement.

Looking ahead, he highlighted key democratic activities scheduled for 2026, including the ongoing voter registration exercise, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as preparations towards the 2027 General Elections.

Dantalle urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by voting candidates of their choice and resisting vote-buying, warning that the practice undermines democracy and mortgages the future of the nation.

He also called on politicians to embrace issue-based politics and shun violence, bitterness and electoral malpractices, stressing that such actions pose serious threats to democratic stability.

On the electoral process, the IPAC chairman charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

Recommit to constitution duty, PDP tells federal govt

On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party, has said the federal government must, without excuses or delay, recommit itself to its foremost constitutional duty, which is the protection of lives and property.

The national publicity secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, in the party’s new year message, lamented that insecurity, economic hardship, and uncertainty have become the contemporary lived experience of millions of Nigerians.

“This new year must not be another chapter of broken promises, but a turning point marked by decisive and people-centred governance.

“We insist that the interests of Nigerians, not partisan considerations or political survival, must guide every action of government. Those entrusted with power are not rulers, but servants of the people, whose mandate must be exercised with humility, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

The party further called on the judiciary, the electoral umpire, security agencies, and all democratic institutions to rise above pressure, inducement, and fear.

Don’t despair, vote out APC PRP tells Nigerians

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has urged Nigerians not to despair but to remain steadfast in the fight to reclaim the country from the clutches of incompetence and greed.

The opposition party insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s tenure must be ended decisively for a new era of transparency, accountability and citizen-centered governance to be ushered in.

National chairman of PRP, Falalu Bello who said this in a New Year message to Nigerians, hailed them for enduring what he described as the harrowing realities wrought by insecurity, poverty, hunger, and mismanagement under the APC-led administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Bello said despite the myriad of challenges confronting the nation, Nigerians remain unbowed and committed to the pursuit of a better, more just society.

“As we look forward to the 2027 general elections, we urge Nigerians not to despair but to remain steadfast in the fight to reclaim our country from the clutches of incompetence and greed.”

Prioritise security, Gabam Urges Tinubu

The national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gabam, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity and collective action in addressing the country’s security, economic and social challenges in the new year.

In a New Year message titled “Building a Better Nigeria: The 2026 Vision for Collective Action,” Gabam said Nigeria was ending 2025 confronted by insecurity, economic hardship and a struggling education system, stressing that these challenges required urgent and coordinated responses from government and citizens alike.

The SDP national chairman urged the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to make security a top priority by addressing the root causes of violence and instability.

He called for closer collaboration among communities, civil society organisations and security agencies, while encouraging Nigerians to support security efforts through vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities.

The SDP leader further urged Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from political leaders, stressing that governance should be driven by integrity, vision and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

He said leaders must be held responsible for delivering tangible results that strengthen democracy and improve living standards.

Addressing the economy, Gabam called for policies that create jobs, stimulate growth and reduce poverty.